Exercise your way away from dementia

As we grow older, we might experience mild cognitive impairment, which is basically a consequence of the aging process. Mild cognitive impairment, which usually starts at midlife, is defined as “an intermediate state between the normal thinking, learning and memory changes that occur with age and dementia.” Those who have mild cognitive impairment are likely to develop full-blown dementia than those who do not have it. About 1 to 2% of the general population will eventually develop dementia. This number could be 10 times higher in those with cognitive impairment – 10 to 15% each year.

The good news is that there is a simple way of slowing down the progression of dementia – physical exercise. This has been reported in several research studies.

Another study by Mayo Clinic researchers reports that moderate exercise such as brisk walking, aerobics, walking, strength training and swimming performed have beneficial effects that prevent mild cognitive impairment. When these exercises were performed at midlife, the likelihood of cognitive impairment is reduced by 39%. When performed later beyond middle age, the reduction is 32%. Unlike in the previous study, no differences between men and women were observed. Surprisingly, light exercises (dancing, golfing with a cart) and vigorous exercises (jogging, racquetball) do not seem to as beneficial in preventing mild cognitive impairment as moderate exercises.

Comments

Exercising is great at keeping Dementia at bay, but it obviously has other positive benefits to our bodies as well. It keeps up alert and healthy, maintaining a healthy level of immune system so that we are able to resist illnesses at an old age. Nothing can help mask the effects of ageing as well as exercise and good diet.

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NOTE: The contents in this blog are for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or a substitute for professional care. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before making changes to any existing treatment or program. Some of the information presented in this blog may already be out of date.